Self-recording rain or snow gage



(No Mode-1.) z Shets-Sheet 1. S. P. FERGUSSON.

SELF RBGORDING RAIN 0R snow GAGE. No. 417,357. Patented Dec'. 17, 1889.

l I I l 1 1 (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

s. P. FERG USSO N. SELF RECORDING RAIN QR SNOW GAGE- No; 417,357. Patented Dec. 17, 1889.

W7 rmsssss. N vsrvron.

ll. PETERS. Phm-Lirho m nm wzsnin mm n.0,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

STERLING P. FERGUSSON, OF READVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS.

SELF-RECORDING RAIN OR SNOW GAGE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 417,357, dated December 17, 1889.

Application filed June 20, 1889. Serial No. 314,981. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, STERLING PRICE FER- GUSSON, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of the town of Readville, in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Self-Recording Rain and Snow Gages, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to an apparatus commonly known as a self-recording rain or snow gage, for automatically indicating and recording the quantity of rain, snow, &c., falling in a minor snow storm.

The apparatus of this invention consists, essentially, of a spring-balance mechanism carrying a reservoir to receive the rain, &c., as it falls, a continuously rotating and re cording cylinder or drum, a mechanism for rotating said cylinder, a marker to mark the surface of said cylinder while under rotation, and a mechanism connecting said marker with and to operate it from said spring-balance, and all in a manner to indicate and record on the surface of said cylinder (preferably on a suitably-prepared paper sheet removably wound thereon) the quantity of rain,

&c., falling in a rain or snow storm, both for the whole and for determined divisions of the time of duration of the storm.

Specifically and in substance the invention consists of mechanism connecting the springbalance with and for operating the marker from its movements, of an adaptation of the spring-balance, and also of the recording cylinder or drum, by which each may be adjusted for its proper operation, and all otherwise substantially as hereinafter described.

In the drawings forming part of this specification, Figure 1 is a perspective view, on a reduced scale, of the apparatus of this invention,with the casing partially broken out and removed and some parts in vertical section. Fig. 2 is an enlarged central vertical section of the recording-cylinder. Fig. is an enlarged perspective view, in detail, of portions of the mechanism connecting the marker with the spring-balance. Fig. 4 is a detail View, hereinafter referred to. Fig. 5 is aface View, full size, of a prepared paper sheet for use on therecording-drum, and as will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings, A is a base-plate of any suitable construction, and F is a vertical cylindrical casing formed in upper and lower sections, and the lower section is held on the base A and the upper section laps over and is detachable from the lower. This casing contains all parts, stationary and operative, of the apparatus of this invention.

F is an upward-flaring annular top of the upper section of casing F, and F is a vertical and concentric spout held on the annular top F of and leading downward into the casing. The lower and open end of this spout preferably is slightly entered into the upper and open end of avessel O. The rain or snow receiver of the apparatus and the falling rain, snow, &c., passes to the rain-receiver 0 through said spout. The rain-receiver c islocated in the casing F, and it rests and is suitably held for convenient removal on horizontal radial arms 0 of a concentric post 0 which is at the upper end of a vertical rectangular frame I) and .has its vertical central line coincident with the axis of said post 0 The frame I) is supported on a fixed upright or standard B of the base-plate A, as hereinafter appears.

a a are two horizontal frames, one above the other, and each at one end portion is pivoted on horizontal ear pieces or lugs B projected from the opposite sides of the standard B, and each at the other and opposite end portion is pivoted to the opposite andparallel vertical side pieces and at opposite end portions of the vertical frame I).

d is a vertical helical spring. This spring (I at its lower end, Fig. 1, is held directly on the lower portion of the vertical frame I), and at its upper end it is held on the outer end of the horizontal arm 6 of the angular lever 6 6 which at its angular portion is fulcrumed at f on the upper end portion of the standard 13, and has its vertical arm e extended downward along one side of said standard and resting at its lower end portion against the end of a horizontal screw-threaded pin g, screwing into and through the standard, and having a milled head for conveniencein turning it.

The mechanism just described constitutes the support of the vertical frame I) and through it of the rain-receiver c, and, as is plain, the frame and receiver are free to move downward on an increase ,of their weight, moving against, and to move upward on a then decrease of their weight, moving with the tension of the helical spring held end to end 011 the vertically-moving frame I) and standard B, as explained.

The normal tension of the helical spring (I'- whieh spring and vertical frame I), connected to it and the standard B, constitutes in substance the spring-balance mechanism of this apparatusis increased by its distention and decreased by its contraction in both cases, secured by an adjustment of the screwthreaded pin g, which screwed in one direction lifts and screwed in the other direction lowers the outer end of the horizontal arm 6 of the angular lever c a in the first instance distending and in the second instance contractin g the balance-sprin g.

h is a horizontally-projected arm of the vertical frame I). This arm h at its outer end portion is pivoted to the lower end portion of a vertical link j, pivoted at its upper end portion to a block or slide it, held by a set-screw m on and adjustable lengthwise of the short arm t' of ahorizontal lever it, which is fulcruined on the standard B. The longer arm 2' of the lever 1'- t' is transversely elastic or springy, and carries at its outer end portion a pencil '72, or a pen or other suitable marker.

The marker in the operation of the apparatus of this invention moves in contact with and up and down in a curvilinear line, coincident wit-h the axis of swing of the lever M carrying it, upon the surface of a vertical drum D, the recording drum or cylinder of the apparatus. This druln, as particularly shown, is a cylindrical shell, and preferably it is surfaced with paper D Figs. 2 and 5, suitably prepared, and as hereinafter described, and which is in a sheet wound and secured upon the drum in any suitable manner-as, for illustration, secured by elastic rings D Fig. 2, surrounding it at its opposite end portions, in order that it may be readily removed and replaced with another similar paper sheet and from time to time, as maybe desired.

The opposite ends of the drum D are closed, and 'r is a concentric sleeve which extends loosely through and projects from the opposite ends of the drum.

8' is a worm gear-wheel held on the lower projecting end of the drum-sleeve 0'. The drum rests on the worm gear-wheel s, and said gear rests on a fixed collar or block 5 of avertical spindle O, which is held on the baseplate A and extends loosely through the drumsleeve r.

s is a worm meshing the worm gear-wheel s of the drum-sleeve rand held 011 ahorizontal shaft 6. This shaft 25 at one end portion turns in the fixed block 8 of the vertical spindle O, and at its opposite end portion it is connected wit-h a clock niovement, (not shown,) bntinclosed in a casing E, so as to be continuously rotated from the running of said movement, and thereby under the regulation of the meshing worm gear-wheel s and worm s to secure a complete rotation of the drumsleeve 9, and through it of the recording-drum D, held thereon, as will hereinafter appear, once every twenty-four hours, or once in any other desired period of time.

The clock-movement referred to may be of any of the well-known constructions, and it forms no part of this invention, and therefore needs neither to be shown nor to be particularly described. Again, it is simply a motor for driving the recording-drum D, as has been indicated, and plainly other well-known motors may be substituted for it, as for the purposes of this invention it is only necessary that the recording-drum shall have a continuous and regular rotation, and preferably, as stated, at least once in every twenty-four hours, or in any other predetermined period of time.

q is a bent spring-arm loosely straddling the upper end projection of the drum-sleeve r, and at its opposite ends bearing downward upon the upper head of the drum and cen: trally confined against the under side of a screw-threaded collar or nut 19 of the drumsleeve 1'. Screwing the nut onto the drumsleeve 1' increases and screwing it off thereof decreases the tension of the bent spring-arm g on the upper head of the drum, and by this means, as is plain, the drum can be held on the sleeve so as to turn with it, while, the sleeve being suitably held against turning, the drum can be turned on it, the importance of which will hereinafter appear.

The vertical recording-drum D from end to end, with the paper sheet D, Fig. 4, wound end to end thereon, is graduated by parallel horizontal and straight encircling lines D into twentieth parts of an inch, and by parallel verticaland curving lines D into one hundred and forty-four equal parts, and the curving lines have their center at the axial line of swing of the lever t i, carrying the marker 01. The lines of horizontal graduation are separated into groups of twenty spaces each by lines thicker or heavier than the intermediate lines of the groups, and each group represents one inch of vertical space, and they are marked at suitable points with figures corresponding to the height in inches that each group represents from the lower and hGHUlQI horizontal line of graduation upward. The lines of vertical graduation are separated into groups of six spaces each by lines thicker or heavier than the intermediate lines of the groups, and each group represents one-twelfth part of the circumference, or, in other words, one-twelfth part of one complete rotation of the drum, and' at upper and lower ends of these heavier lines, as also of the center lines of each group, are marked figures, beginning with figure 1 and run ning to figure 12; then again, beginning with figure 1, running to figure 12, each ITO in regular order and succession, and all so that in the rotation of the drum, as described, the several vertical graduations of the drum are brought in the regular order of their numbering, one after the other, to the marker of the apparatus.

The spring-balance mechanism'herein described has its spring-tension adjusted so that it will regularly lower, moving against its spring, as rain, snow, &c., deposits in the receiver C, which it carries, in exact accordance with the Weight thereof, and the mechanism herein described, and which connects said spring-balance mechanism with and moves the marker, as explained,lengthwise of the recording-drum, is properly adjusted so as to move the marker over the drum a distance equal in inches or parts of an inch of the depth of rain, snow, &c., falling into the receiver c.

The apparatus described in practical use preferably has its recording-drum D rotating so that the group of the vertical divisions of the drum pass one after another under the marker and by their numbers corresponding to the hours of the day, and this is attained by having the paper sheet adjusted on the drum accordingly. Further than this, in the normal position of the spring-balance mechanism, the marker is horizontally in'the plane of and so as to follow, as the recording-drum rotates, the lower horizontal and heavier line of graduation of said drum, and which preferably is always in the same horizontal plane and determined by placing the paper sheet on the drum so that its edge which is the nearerto and parallel and in every sheet always at the same distance from said line of graduation will lie against the horizontal projecting and encircling lip D at thelower end of the recording-drum.-

The spring-balance mechanism, with the receiver at rest on it and empty, is balanced, and if from any causeas, for illustration, by change in the elasticity or by deterioration of its spring-it becomes unbalanced, it can again be placed in balance, of course within given limits, simply by turning the screwthreaded pin 9 in or out, as the case may re quire, and asis plain without furtherexplanation.

To suit changes in adjustment of the springbalance mechanism, as above stated, and also to bring the marker into the same horizontal plane as that of the lower horizontal line of graduation of the drum with the spring-balance in its normal posit-ion, the marker is either raised or lowered and brought as may be required by first loosening and then running the block or slide along the length of its operating-lever 2'- 6 until the position desired for it is obtained, on which said block or slide is firmly fixed to the lever.

The movement of the block 7t toward and away from the fulcrum of the lever '6 i increases and decreases the amplitude of swing of the marker.

It is apparent from the description given that the depth in inches and twentieths of an inch of rain, snow, &c., falling in a storm will, under the construction and arrangement of parts and their operation together, as described, be correctly and automatically indicated and recorded on the paper sheet or strip wound on the drum. Obviously other subdivisions than twentieths of an inch, and, again, other subdivisions of time than hours and thirds of an hour, may be used; but the several subdivisions named are deemed suitable.

The casing F, its flaring top F and spout F not only protect the mechanism of the apparatus of this invention from the falling rain, snow, 850., but also afford direct and free deposit of the rain, snow, &c., in the receiver.

The adaptation, as explained, of the recording-drum to be turned on its carrying-sleeve enables the drum prepared with its paper sheet, to be adjusted as to its vertical lines of graduations in accordance with the hour of the day in relation to the marker 01.

The recording-drum supported on its sleeve 1' and the sleeve on the spindle 0, about which it rotates, all as explained, allows the drum to be removed at pleasure from and off of said spindle by lifting it and carrying it through the spaces between the supportingarms 0 0i the spring-balance mechanism for the receiver 0 and replaced by passing it down between said supporting-arms onto its rest on the spindle and its gear into mesh with the driving-worm. By this means one paper sheet can be removed from and another paper sheet placed on the drum, and all without disturbing any adj ustments of the operative parts of the apparatus.

The carrying-lever i i for the marker preferably is springy or elastic, as explained, not only so as to secure elasticity to it in its hearing, but to enable it to follow the surface of the drum, and further, if desired, to be set oit from contact with the drum by the action thereon of a vertical rod a, eccentrically attached to a horizontal arm to, arranged to rotate on the bed-plate A, and having a handle for convenience in operating it.

Preferably the upward movement of the spring-balance mechanism should belimited, and this is secured by means of a stop-pin or shoulder c, located on the vertical frame I) of said mechanism, or on a part fixed on said frame for the abutment of theunder side of the lower hanging or pivoted frames (4 a, connecting the spring-balance mechanism to the standard B. Further, this is desirable, as it holds the spring-balance mechanism firm in the adjustment, as described, of its springtension. However, it is not necessary in either case, as in the first the spring balance mechanism will only move a given distance upward, and in the second the spring-balance mechanism may be suitably held by pressing down upon it.

In lieu of connecting the balance-spring d directly to the vertical frame I), as has been explained and shown,-Fig. 1, it may be connected, asin Fig. 4, to the upper end of a vertical screw 20, screwed upwardly through the lower portion of said frame, and thus the tension of spring is more or'less adjustable by screwing said screw 'in and out, as is obvious without further explanation, and for adjustments to correct the position of marker the adjustin -screw g, hereinbefore explained, is used.

The lower portion of the casing F, inclosing the whole apparatus, as described, is to have an opening and closing door (not shown) for convenience of inspection of the recording-drum and otherwise, as may be desired.

The apparatus described records the depth of rain or snow, &c., falling during a storm on the paper surface of .the recording-drum by marking the same in accordance therewith, and all in a manner that not only is the total depth in inches and twentieths of an inch for the whole time of the storm indicated, but also the times of beginning and ending of the fall and the depth falling during eaclrhour and thirds of an hour of the several hours of its duration.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, 1s

1. In a self-recording rain or snow gage,

the combination of a spring-balance mechanism, means consisting of anangular leveree havingone end of the spring (1 of said springbalance mechanism'held on its arm 6, and intermediately or its two arms 6' e fulcrumed on a suitable stationary support, and of an adjustable screw g, held on and turning in a suitable stationary support and having a hearing against the arm 9 of said lever e, a rain or snow receiver supported on said springbalance mechanism, a rotating recordingdrum, a marker to mark on the surface of said drum, a carrier for said marker, and means connecting said carrier to and adapted to be operated by said spring-balance mechanism, substantially as described, for the purposes specified.

2. In a self-recordin g rain or snow gage, the combination of a spring-balance mechanism, a rain or snow receiver supported on said spring-balance mechanism, a rotating recording-drum, a marker to mark on the surface of said drum, a lever '2' i carrying said marker at one end portion and intermediately fulcrumed on a suitable stationary support, and

a link j, pivoted at its opposite end portions to said lever 'i 1?, and an upward and downward moving part of said spring-balance mechanism, substantially as described, for

the purposes specified.

3. In a self-recording rain or snow gage, the combination of a spring-balance mechanism, a rain or snow receiver supported on said spring-balance mechanism, a rotating recording-drum, a marker to mark on the surface of said drum, a lever 2' t carrying said marker at one end portion and intermediately fulcrumed on a suitable stationary support, an adjustable slide or block it, held on said lever at its end portion opposite to that carrying the marker, and a linkj, pivoted at its opposite end portions to said slide 7c, and an upward and downward moving part of said spring-balance mechanism, substantially as described, for the purposes specified.

4. In a self-recording rain or snow gage, the combination of a springbalancc mechanism, a minor snow receiver having an open top and supported on said spring-balance mechanism, a rotating recording-drum, a marker to mark on the surface of said drum, a carrier for said marker, means connecting said carrier to and adapted to be operated by said spring-balance mechanism, an open spout F, suitably supported and entered into the open end of said receiver, and surrounded exteriorly by a top F covering the space between the inner wall of the receiver and the outer wall of the spout, substantially as described, vfor the purposes specified.

5. In a self-rec0rding rain or snow gage, a recording-drum D, a central and axial sleeve 1-, which passes loosely through and projects from opposite ends of said drum and at one end portion is adapted to support one end of said drum, and a spring-arm q, held on said sleeve and bearing on one end of said drum, in combination with a stationary spindle 0, receiving and adapted to support said drumsleeve '1', a gear-wheel 5, held on said drumsleeve, and a gear 3, meshing said gear-wheel .5", and having its shaft turning in suitable supporting bearings, substantially as described, for the purposes specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

STERLING l.

Witnesses:

ALBERT W. BROWN, HENRY F. MoKEEvER.

FERGUSSON. 

